Food Habits of the North African Green Frog Prophylax saharicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anura: Ranidae) in the Lake Tonga, Algeria

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the feeding habits of Prophylax saharicus, the most abundant anuran species of the El Kala National Park. The fieldwork was undertaken in the Lake Tonga, situated in north-eastern Algeria. Food data were recovered by stomach content analysis. In total, 76 stomach of this frog was removed and dissected. Prey items were analysed, and 199 prey items were identified from 52 females, 13 males and 11 juveniles. The diet of Prophylax saharicus was dominated by three prey categories: Coleoptera (28.14%), Hymenoptera (20.60%), and plant material (12.06%). Diptera, Odonates, Arachnids and Molluscs are poorly represented. There were no differences in the consumption of food items between the sexes but a significantly difference exist between categories.